Protective cover for a cast

#The present invention relates to cast covers adapted to cover the exposed hand or foot of a patient and protect the environment from the rough surface of the cast.

#The present invention pertains to covers for distal extremity casts. An object of the invention is to provide a cover for a cast which is non-damaging to surfaces in which it comes in contact, such as skin, clothing, furniture, walls, or trim. Another object of the invention is to provide a cast covering which provides the patient with protection from temperature extremes on the exposed limb distal of the cast. A further object of the invention is to provide the patient with a water-resistant cast covering to provide the exposed skin distal of the cast with an enhanced opportunity to stay dry. The invention is not limited to these objects and further objects of the invention are disclosed in the specification below.

#In a first non-limiting embodiment, the invention is adapted for use with a lower extremity cast. This embodiment of the invention includes a gaiter, which substantially covers the cast and which may extend, for example, from the knee to the metatarsals. This gaiter may be flexible, elastic and/or non-abrasive and may include elastic bands or pull cords at its proximal and distal ends. This embodiment also includes a distal foot covering, which may cover the foot and extend proximal of the ankle. The distal foot covering may be flexible, elastic, and/or non-abrasive and may include an elastic band or pull cord at the proximal end. The distal foot covering may also include water-resistant or insulating material, particularly in a region distal of the metatarsals, such as a polyester fleece material. The gaiter may first be applied over the cast and then the distal foot covering is then applied thereover. The friction between an ankle portion of the gaiter and an ankle portion of the distal foot covering helps retain the cover in place.

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a cover for a lower extremity cast showing the cover applied over a cast;

#FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the flexible elongate gaiter of the cover of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the distal foot covering of the cover of FIG. 1;

#Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a cover 110 for a lower distal extremity cast 112 showing the cover 110 applied over cast 112. The cover includes a gaiter 114 and a distal foot covering 116.

#As may be best seen in FIG. 2, gaiter 114 extends over substantially the whole length of cast 112. Gaiter 114 may extend proximally and distally beyond the ends of cast 112 as depicted in FIG. 2 or gaiter 114 may extend a lesser length. At the proximal end 216 of cast 112, the gaiter 114 may extend up to and not beyond the cast 112. It is generally preferred that the gaiter cover the outer surface 218 of cast 112, so the gaiter, or a gaiter and a legging (not shown), will generally extend at least up to proximal end 216. In contrast, because distal extremity covering 116 overlaps gaiter 114, it is not necessary that gaiter 114 extend up to the distal end 220 of the cast 112. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, gaiter 114 extends distally beyond distal end 220 of cast 112 and in a contemplated embodiment gaiter 114 extends up to distal end 220 of cast 112. Gaiter 114 includes an ankle portion 228.

#It may be readily seen that for ease of installation over rigid cast 112, gaiter 114 will be flexible. Gaiter 114 may also be elastic. Having a degree of elasticity in gaiter 114 allows gaiter 114 to accommodate casts 112 of various sizes while providing gaiter 114 an additional means to retain to cast 112.